BWCA Cancelled a Permit? Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum

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Cancelled a Permit?

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BWCA

Administrator

01/28/2026 06:59AM

Did you cancel a permit recently?

Let the community know so they can potentially pick it up.

Subscribe to this thread at the bottom.

Note: In the past it took 12-24 hours for permits to show back up in the system.

Learn about Permit Alerts to receive notifications via email when the permit shows back up..

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campNgirl

01/28/2026 10:12AM

Oh my gosh, I was logged in and ready to go as soon as permits open. Within 30 seconds, I scrolled down to my permit/date, gone. Plan B, GONE! By 9:03 basically everything was taken. I took what I could get. By no means what I wanted. I've been pulling permits over 20 years now, never have I been shut out. Not to mention so fast.

Money can buy a pretty good dog but it can't buy the wag of her tail.

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Rainmanrfw

01/28/2026 11:57AM

I was refreshing my screen every 10 seconds starting a minute before 9:00. I didn't see the fresh permits until 9:07 at which point my preference for Snowbank was cleaned out. Anyone else not see availability until way after 9:00am?

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rockstaranon

01/28/2026 12:37PM

Same here. Logged in and ready. Constantly refreshing. Gone in about 30 seconds. Permits for our planned entry point sold out for the ENTIRE SUMMER in about a minute. Gonna be crowded up there this year. Unsure if we can even go now :(

"The fish and I were both stunned and disbelieving to find ourselves connected by a line." - William Humphrey

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CanoeViking

01/28/2026 08:41PM

I had refreshing problems for 2ish minutes and missed a permit I wanted and then the next two options sold out and had to go for plan D.

Blessed are the flexible for they shall never be broken.

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thistlekicker

01/29/2026 12:11AM

Thanks for setting this up

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Jacoop09

01/29/2026 07:22AM

Just cancelled a Mudro Lake Permit for Jul 11th. Unfortunately my paddle partner is having to back out on the trip this year.

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elpasocoug

02/03/2026 04:30PM

I just cancelled in the last day or so four permits for June 5th for East Bearskin, Daniels, South Lake and Duncan. I was fortunate to get Clearwater (#62) right as it opened.

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mr.barley

02/05/2026 04:06PM

elpasocoug: "I just cancelled in the last day or so four permits for June 5th for East Bearskin, Daniels, South Lake and Duncan. I was fortunate to get Clearwater (#62) right as it opened."

why did you have multiple June 5th permits?

serenity now

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Handycamp

02/06/2026 02:19PM

""elpasocoug: "I just cancelled in the last day or so four permits for June 5th for East Bearskin, Daniels, South Lake and Duncan. I was fortunate to get Clearwater (#62) right as it opened." why did you have multiple June 5th permits?""

I think (s)he means one permit for 4 people. Just a guess.

I just cancelled my EP55 Saganaga Lake OM permit for May 29th. I hope someone can use it!

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Cutch

02/16/2026 06:12PM

Just cancelled John Lake permit for Sept 3rd. Hopefully someone can use it :)

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BWCA

Administrator

02/16/2026 06:18PM

Cutch: "Just cancelled John Lake permit for Sept 3rd. Hopefully someone can use it :)"

Thanks for letting folks know!

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Reitemeier1

02/25/2026 12:39PM

I just cancelled a permit for Moose lake.
Entry date 8/30, exit date 9/05.

Good luck!

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Digger07

02/25/2026 08:00PM

Just canceled a permit for EP 19 Stuart River for May 24th. I hope someone can use it.

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QuietSolo

02/28/2026 06:07PM

Moose Lake July 8

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rosemarbles

03/21/2026 04:48PM

Just canceled a permit for Moose River North for July 12th. The timing didn't work out and we were able to pick up another permit. Hope someone else enjoys it!

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BWCA

Administrator

03/21/2026 04:55PM

rosemarbles: "Just canceled a permit for Moose River North for July 12th. The timing didn't work out and we were able to pick up another permit. Hope someone else enjoys it!"

Thanks for posting!

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eagerbeaver2be

03/22/2026 01:19PM

We just canceled a permit for Moose River Aug 21 to 28.

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adam

Moderator

Moderator

03/22/2026 04:05PM

eagerbeaver2be: "We just canceled a permit for Moose River Aug 21 to 28."

Thanks for posting!

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rmp46

03/24/2026 05:17PM

Just had to cancel our permit for East Bearskin for Aug 23.

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chiefagikamik

04/01/2026 06:22AM

I just cancelled Missing Link for August 15th

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trstuck

04/03/2026 09:34PM

Just cancelled overnight paddle in Brule on July 24.

Top-water smallies are a slice of heaven.

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Cartallen

04/06/2026 12:50PM

I just cancelled a permit for Lizz Lake on May 30.

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Bearblitz

04/07/2026 08:09AM

Just cancelled for Sawbill July 11

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Bonvicken

04/15/2026 09:08AM

Just cancelled Ram Lake permit for 5/7, not looking good for ice-out.

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pilsnerd

04/18/2026 03:05PM

Just canceled East Bearskin for June 15.

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smb23

04/20/2026 07:14AM

I just had to cancel a permit for 8/12 with an entry point of Skipper @ Portage Lakes (OP) # 49. Hopefully someone will get to enjoy!

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Spruce

04/24/2026 01:14PM

Just cancelled EP 30, 15 May. Hope someone gets to have an early trip.

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rockstaranon

04/27/2026 10:04AM

Had to cancel Fall Lake EP 24 on 5/9. Grab it! Fishing is going to be amazing up there!

"The fish and I were both stunned and disbelieving to find ourselves connected by a line." - William Humphrey

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Canoegirl30

04/27/2026 07:58PM

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Pinetree

05/04/2026 01:40PM

Too naive in setting up permit alert, a little help?

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ForkyKnifespoon

05/04/2026 02:00PM

Just cancelled permit for Seagull EP54 June 24. Won’t know til last minute if this date will work for us so we’ll just see what’s available when we know for sure.

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Loony_canoe

05/06/2026 11:49AM

Just Canceled my permit for Little Indian Sioux North for May 11th.

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MasterEvergreen

05/07/2026 09:14AM

Permit canceled for May 8th stuart river ep 19. Short notice but hopefully someone can use it.

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BryanE

05/11/2026 12:57PM

Permit canceled for Snowbank Lake OP on Thursday May 14th.

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desertcanoe

05/12/2026 09:17AM

Permit cancelled for Baker Lake, Friday June 19
Enjoy!

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desertcanoe

05/12/2026 09:18AM

Permit cancelled for Stuart River this Saturday, May 16. Should be fun in high water, say hi to the beavers for me!

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WHendrix

05/12/2026 10:52AM

Cancelled a permit for Fall Lake on June 5

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SpringFever

05/13/2026 02:51PM

I just cancelled a permit for EP 68, Pine Lake, for September 5.

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denik

05/15/2026 10:05AM

Last minute, but I just cancelled a permit for EP 23 - Mudro Lake on May 17th.

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n8roar

05/15/2026 03:53PM

I was just able to secure a permit for Little Indian soix North for May 22. Therefore I will be canceling my Little Vermilion lake permit for May 22 in about 20 minutes. I wanted to give everybody a heads up.

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OldTripper

05/19/2026 02:40PM

Just cancelled an Overnight Paddle permit for Moose Lake entry on June 4th.

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salukiguy

05/21/2026 09:48AM

Just cancelled lake 1 permit for May 26th. Personal matters will not allow me to go.

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Prospector

05/25/2026 10:31PM

Just canceled a 5/27 permit for John Lake

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weebs

06/08/2026 10:55PM

I'm going to cancel a July 27 permit for Morgan Lake, EP45. I was able to get a less demanding one for after a long drive.

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weebs

06/08/2026 11:14PM

weebs: "I'm going to cancel a July 27 permit for Morgan Lake, EP45. I was able to get a less demanding one for after a long drive."!$/i
It's canceled, have fun on Morgan Lake and where ever from there.

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MidnightPaddler

06/15/2026 11:01AM

I am about to cancel 7/2 Brant Lake. We're going to switch to something more relaxed (Moose Lake.)

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Headcanoe

06/16/2026 08:11AM

cancelling two permits today, just couldn't work it out with everybody:(
July 25th Daniels lake #61
July 29th Lake One #30

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tkinley

06/17/2026 05:21PM

Canceling 69 John Lake for this Friday June 19th. Daughter broke her arm, having surgery Friday.

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straighthairedcurly

06/17/2026 06:10PM

Canceling July 16 Kawishiwi Lake permit
Husband's employee just informed him he is taking all of July off, so no trip for us unless husband closes the business.

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rhino942

06/19/2026 06:52AM

Sadly June 23, Lake One (#30) is open, new hip is on the way.

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Uniforms

06/19/2026 10:27AM

Hi all:
Regrettably cancelling a great trip. Entry Point 14 Little Indian Sioux North (OP) on August 11 - Aug 15.
Was going to do the cut through unmarked portage Slim to Fat, then hang around those small lakes fishing for a few days before coming back through LaCroix and Loon to EP14. Another great trip is to complete the circuit thru these lakes to Pocket, Gebeonquet, Rocky, Agnes and come out at 16, or do the short cut through Pauness to Hustler to Agnes then south to 16. I've done the first two routes above, and this area is my favorite part of the park, though some good hard tripping involved. The short cut thru Hustler is a lot easier. I'm cancelling now, at about 11:30am on 6/19.
Good luck and good tripping!

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wolffpaddle

06/22/2026 02:52PM

I just cancelled a permit for Lizz and Swamp Lakes Entry Date, Jul 18, 2026. Hope somebody has fun with it!

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Kots

06/28/2026 02:52PM

mr.barley: "
elpasocoug: "I just cancelled in the last day or so four permits for June 5th for East Bearskin, Daniels, South Lake and Duncan. I was fortunate to get Clearwater (#62) right as it opened."
why did you have multiple June 5th permits?"

You booked 4 permits for 4 different lakes on June 5 and then cancelled them all?

When I die, sprinkle my ashes in the BWCA!

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newguy

06/29/2026 10:16AM

I cancelled a permit for July 13, EP 47, Lizz and Swamp Lakes.

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egknuti

06/29/2026 04:27PM

Kots: "
mr.barley: "
elpasocoug: "I just cancelled in the last day or so four permits for June 5th for East Bearskin, Daniels, South Lake and Duncan. I was fortunate to get Clearwater (#62) right as it opened."
why did you have multiple June 5th permits?"

You booked 4 permits for 4 different lakes on June 5 and then cancelled them all?"

I didn’t think you could reserve multiple permits for the same day?!?

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Kots

06/29/2026 10:08PM

egknuti: "
Kots: "
mr.barley: "
elpasocoug: "I just cancelled in the last day or so four permits for June 5th for East Bearskin, Daniels, South Lake and Duncan. I was fortunate to get Clearwater (#62) right as it opened."
why did you have multiple June 5th permits?"

You booked 4 permits for 4 different lakes on June 5 and then cancelled them all?"

I didn’t think you could reserve multiple permits for the same day?!?"

You can if 4 people in your group all reserve one

When I die, sprinkle my ashes in the BWCA!

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Kots

06/29/2026 10:21PM

This is currently legal, but I would like to see a discussion about how often this is happening. If people can be honest if they are utilizing this loophole, we can make a change so hundreds of groups can get a permit and outfitters can make more money

When I die, sprinkle my ashes in the BWCA!

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BWCA

Administrator

06/30/2026 06:12AM

This is a thread for people to report their cancellations so others can take advantage. Feel free to start a thread in the listening point forum or top one of the many old threads to discuss cancellations more broadly. Thank you

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dustytrail

06/30/2026 04:46PM

Due to surgery I am cancelling a July 25 permit for Lake One.

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CanoeViking

07/01/2026 08:40PM

Just cancelled a Missing Link - August 7 Permit. My wife wanted a different EP and she won :-)

Blessed are the flexible for they shall never be broken.

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Jefflynn06

07/11/2026 05:04PM

Just canceled a permit Lake One for July 25th.

Two Paddle

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tazzeroo2002

07/13/2026 08:42AM

I'll be having my hip replaced on August 4. I just canceled a permit for Lake One for Aug. 14.

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MajorMal

07/13/2026 11:38AM

I just cancelled Woodlake Entry point #26 On Monday July 20th. Not because of the fires. Death in the Family.

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anthonylane

07/13/2026 05:32PM

I just cancelled Snake River (84) from Aug 12-15. Hopefully someone here can grab it.

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MiPatrick

07/14/2026 06:39PM

Cancelled EP 69 John Lake

Scheduling conflicts

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MiPatrick

07/14/2026 06:42PM

John lake cancelled for August 3rd

My bad

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Jefflynn06

07/18/2026 11:15AM

Just canceled a permit for Lizz and Swamp on July 29th. Back issues will not allow any portaging this year.

Two Paddle

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OldRez

07/19/2026 05:16PM

Cancelled Kawishiwi Lake EP for August 13. Health issues.

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greywolf33

07/22/2026 08:14PM

Just cancelled a permit for EP69 John Lake on Sept 25th. Going to FarmAid 2026 in Virginia instead…will hopefully make it to the BWCA in the first week of October.

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bsolak

07/26/2026 10:18AM

Just cancelled a Mudro entry permit for Sunday Aug. 9th. Probably won't reopen by then anyway.

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CanoeViking

07/28/2026 09:51PM

Just canceled an August 6 Brule Lake permit

Blessed are the flexible for they shall never be broken.

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salukiguy

07/30/2026 05:26PM

Just cancelled August 7 Magnetic Lake. May or may not be open by then.

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clutchbeyers

07/31/2026 02:15PM

I am looking for a permit for either Sep 4,5,6 for • East Bearskin (OP), Clearwater Lake (OP), Seagull Lake (OP), Lizz and Swamp Lakes (OP), or Cross Bay Lake (OP).

I have Larch Creek for Sep9th and Seagull Lake for Sep 11th for trade (however we could make it work) from two sets of friends. These dates just work better now with other things happening.

Cheers

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BWCA

Administrator

07/31/2026 03:05PM

You really can't trade permits. Permits are tied to a leader or alternate leader who must pick the permit up. You can both plan to drop permits at the same time, but they won't show back up in the system for 10 - 16 hours roughly.

Considering learning about Permit Alerts. You can find link on home page. Essentially, even if you are trying to trade and drop and keep checking know that a system is going to notify other people when the permit becomes available and they might get it first.

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Voyager

08/02/2026 07:37AM

August 2nd 8:30 am. Just cancelled a Moose Lake, entry point 25 permit. We can't get ready to go with such a short notice from the Forest Service.

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bsolak

08/03/2026 08:13AM

Just cancelled a Moose Lake permit for entry on Saturday August 8.

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chiefagikamik

08/03/2026 08:35AM

I just canceled a Trout Lake OP permit for August 13th

Hope one of you can enjoy it!

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PortagePlodder

08/03/2026 08:52AM

Just cancelled on a permit to Lake One on August 7th.

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Kalvan

08/03/2026 07:09PM

Just cancelled Snowbank permit for Aug 6. Tried to make it work but just didn't have time to prep with it just getting opened.

Hopefully someone here can use it! Snowbank Lodge and Outfitters will have a room available Aug 5 and canoes.

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tipsycanoe87

08/04/2026 09:29AM

Yes, I agree. Please cancel your permits. I was in last weekend 7/30-8/3. We went out of Sawbill entry 38, frequented Alton, Kelso loop and Smoke/Burnt lakes. Saw one other group between Friday and Saturday packed out. Clearly most groups no-showed on their permits and I know of several groups that were constantly checking for cancelled permits after their date was cancelled due to the wild fires. Hopefully the increased permit fees will get rid of all the "book now, decide later" permit people out there. Was disappointing to see the lack of campers with all other people I've talked with scrounging for a permit.

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MrBenji

08/04/2026 11:01AM

Cancelling a permit today for Sawbill (38) for September 1st. Hopefully it helps a member out!

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chergez

08/04/2026 11:45AM

Could you add the person you're trading with as an alternate pickup person, and the could add you as alternate on theirs?

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CanoeViking

08/04/2026 11:48AM

Nope. Alternate leaders are chosen when you pick your permit and that’s it.

Blessed are the flexible for they shall never be broken.

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sueb2b

08/04/2026 05:00PM

I cancelled a Fall Lake for 8/20 today. Hopefully things open up and someone can use it.

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Taiscealai

08/10/2026 07:45AM

I am cancelling a Clearwater Lake permit for 8/19 in a few moments. Hopefully someone here can make use of it!

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doubledown

08/10/2026 04:52PM

I just cancelled my 9/14 permit for Fall Lake (EP 24)

Choose your hard.

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OhLeechBoy

08/13/2026 07:54AM

Just canceled a Snowbank Lake permit for 8/21

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rertel

08/13/2026 09:50AM

Just cancelled for Seagull Aug 31 entry. Hubby still isn't up to paddling after cancer surgery so we'll probably be going to a motor lake in Chippawa NF where there is no fire ban.

PacksTooMuch

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ChiTrader

08/13/2026 10:56AM

I just cancelled a permit for Mudro Lake, EP 23, Overnight Paddle unrestricted, for September 7.

Chris https://chrisnorbury.com profile photo is from 2010. Dad, me, and the redwood-strip canoe he built (with my limited help as a 9-yr-old) in 1965 (or '66).

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jrlatt